Ladders around the harbor would save lives

Were these accident victims who were unable to climb out after falling in the water and drowned? Perhaps. But eight years ago the city was asked to put ladders along the promenade in Canton so anyone who fell in would have a chance of surviving. And the city refused.

Last year, after our neighbor Liz Ohearn fell into the water next to her home and drowned after hours of struggling to stay afloat, the same request was made again. The city claimed to be looking into the request, but after three or four futile follow-up emails, it was clear that the ball was dropped and misplaced — the equivalent of refusing the request.

There is no good reason not to place ladders at intervals so a person falling in has a chance of survival. Ladders are a small price to pay to save lives. The city needs to act.